Picture Lake Path

Glacier, Washington 98244

Even if you’ve never been to Heather Meadows before, you’ll probably experience a sense of déjà vu as soon as you step out of the car. That’s because that natural wonder you’re probably staring at right now—Mount Shuksan and its mirrored image reflecting in Picture Lake, not to mention the kaleidoscope of colors from the heathers and wildflowers filling in the spaces between—graces more postcards, calendars, and phone books than just about any other mountain. And lots of those photos were taken right from where you’re standing. So, note to self: Don’t forget the camera.
The wheelchair-accessible, pavement-and-boardwalk path around the lake is very family friendly (though dogs aren’t allowed) and offers a number of short exploratory offshoot trails as well. There are picnic tables here, so pack a lunch; a short dock extends partway into the lake for further exploration. Nearby peaks include Mount Herman to the west, flat-topped Table Mountain to the south, and Ruth Mountain to the east, just left of Mount Shuksan and looking like she wants to get in the photo, too. This hike is a gem, and best yet, because it’s so short, you can jump back in the car and continue up the road to other trails.

Picture Lake Path

Glacier, Washington 98244

Even if you’ve never been to Heather Meadows before, you’ll probably experience a sense of déjà vu as soon as you step out of the car. That’s because that natural wonder you’re probably staring at right now—Mount Shuksan and its mirrored image reflecting in Picture Lake, not to mention the kaleidoscope of colors from the heathers and wildflowers filling in the spaces between—graces more postcards, calendars, and phone books than just about any other mountain. And lots of those photos were taken right from where you’re standing. So, note to self: Don’t forget the camera.

The wheelchair-accessible, pavement-and-boardwalk path around the lake is very family friendly (though dogs aren’t allowed) and offers a number of short exploratory offshoot trails as well. There are picnic tables here, so pack a lunch; a short dock extends partway into the lake for further exploration. Nearby peaks include Mount Herman to the west, flat-topped Table Mountain to the south, and Ruth Mountain to the east, just left of Mount Shuksan and looking like she wants to get in the photo, too. This hike is a gem, and best yet, because it’s so short, you can jump back in the car and continue up the road to other trails.

Picture Lake Path Professional Guide

Detailed Trail Description from our Guidebook

"Even if you’ve never been to Heather Meadows before, you’ll probably experience a sense of déjà vu as soon as you step out of the car. That’s because that natural wonder you’re probably staring at right now—Mount Shuksan and its mirrored image reflecting in Picture Lake, not to mention the kaleidoscope of colors from the heathers and wildflowers filling in the spaces between—graces more postcards, calendars, and phone books than just about any other mountain. And lots of those photos were taken right from where you’re standing. So, note to self: Don’t forget the camera.

The wheelchair-accessible, pavement-and-boardwalk path around the lake is very family friendly (though dogs aren’t allowed) and offers a number of short exploratory offshoot trails as well. There are picnic tables here, so pack a lunch; a short dock extends partway into the lake for further exploration. Nearby peaks include Mount Herman to the west, flat-topped Table Mountain to the south, and Ruth Mountain to the east, just left of Mount Shuksan and looking like she wants to get in the photo, too. This hike is a gem, and best yet, because it’s so short, you can jump back in the car and continue up the road to other trails."